SYMMES TOWNSHIP (June 24th, 2025) – After having to reschedule the game due to inclement weather, the KHFC Cincinnati Men hosted Dayton Dutch Lions FC Monday night for a heated rematch, both in temperature and energy.
From the get-go, odds were stacked against both teams as they prepared to kickoff in 93 degree weather with the sun beating down on the pitch. The men kicked things off, passing possession back and forth for the beginning of the first half. Dayton was able to take a few solid shots, including from Ishmael Mensah and Farouq Ogundare, but both were denied.
In the 25th minute, KHFC was forced to play a man down as Casey Welage went off with an unknown injury. At the next opportunity, they brought in Bennett Painter to replace him for the remainder of the match.
KHFC pressed on, and continued to try and capitalize on their opportunities, with Thomas De Graauw taking an impressive shot right on target in the 28th minute. Unfortunately for De Graauw, Dayton’s keeper, Alessandro Malterer, was right where he needed to be and made the save. Seemingly in retaliation, Dayton pushed through KHFC’s defense and created an incredible opportunity for Jeongbin Kim to attempt a header into goal, but it went just wide. Neither team could find the back of the net and the score remained 0-0.
Following a hydration break and a lucky foul called on Dayton’s Zakaria Amro resulting in a KHFC penalty kick, the boys would be awarded the first goal of the night in the 41st minute, shot by KHFC forward Brock Kiper. The energy shifted on the pitch as the KHFC team suddenly seemed energized and more eager to push through Dayton’s defense.
As the first half ticked away, KHFC took 3 more shots towards the net, 2 of them going just high and one being deflected by Dayton. Shortly after this string of shots, KHFC’s Painter was able to snag the ball and passed it up to Diego Hoenderkamp, who took the shot and scored in the 45th minute. The halftime score read 2-0, KHFC Cincinnati.
Immediately following the half time whistle, things intensified as shouts and groans rang out on the pitch. A huddle of players from both teams began to form as each side chirped at each other and the center referee. A yellow card warning was issued to KHFC newcomer Weston Jonke and Dayton’s Ishmael Mensah.
At the beginning of the second half, KHFC was up 2-0. Dayton made some key half time substitutions, including bringing on goalkeeper Cameron Maung-Maung for Malterer, and Parker Burke for Jeongbin Kim. These substitutions would quickly pay off for Dayton as Burke capitalized on a service from Alex Bucher, scoring Dayton’s first goal of the match in the 48th minute and bringing the score to 2-1.
In the 53rd minute, another opportunity opened for Dayton, allowing Adebayo Dikko to score Dayton’s second goal of the match. The score was now at a draw, and KHFC Cincinnati responded by subbing off W. Jonke, Kiper and Frakes, and bringing on some fresh legs in Parker Grinstead, Alex Dorko, and Dakota Jonke.
The sun was going down but the energy on the pitch continued to heat up. Pushing and aggressive fouls would lead to a number of cards being issued, including a yellow card to KHFC’s Ekene Okeke in the 61st minute, a red card to Dayton’s Joshua Cline in the 68th minute, and a yellow card to Dayton’s Ogundare in the 69th minute.
Both teams made substitutions in the 70th minute stretch, with Dayton bringing on Nore Sumner for Mensah and KHFC bringing on Bennett Gerak and Nate Mefford for goal-scored Hoenderkamp and Dom Breidenbach. Shortly after KHFC made their substitutions, Dayton’s Ogundare received his second yellow card warning of the match, resulting in a red card and his removal from the remainder of the match.
Each team would trade possession for the remainder of the match as they tried to secure the win, but ultimately neither would find the back of the net again. The final score would be a draw, 2-2. KHFC Cincinnati and Dayton Dutch Lions FC would each receive one point.
The men are on the road to Lexington for their next match on Wednesday, June 25th for a 7pm kickoff. Fans are encouraged to travel and support the boys if they’re able or stream the match on SportsEngine Play.
